Germany’s satellite market will see three new entrants if the Frankfurt-based regional media authority approves new licence applications.

Dogan Media International, the German sister company of the Turkish Dogan group, intends to broadcast a localised version of its domestic general interest channel Kanal D to the Turkish population in Germany. The 2.5 million Turkish people living in Germany are to be reached both via cable and satellite. Since December 1993, Dogan has been operating Kanal D, available to German homes via satellite, however for a dedicated German-based channel a German licence is needed. Thomas Broadcasting, a German production company located in Wiesbaden, intends to offer a nationwide radio station covering soul, dance music, rhythm and blues, gospel, jazz and Latino style music. The channel called Party Radio is to be financed through advertising. Radio/Tele FFH, the Frankfurt-based commercial radio company, has applied for permission to launch a third station: FFH Hessen Melody targets people over 50 years of age. Since November 1989, FFH has been broadcasting Hit Radio FFH which is available in regional state Hessen o n terrestrial frequencies and in ADR format on the Astra satellite system.